Stavudine

Brand name(s): Zerit
Other name(s): d4T

Stavudine, when used alone or in combination with other antiviral medications, may cause serious and possibly deadly damage to the liver and pancreas and a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or pancreas disease or gallstones, and if you have taken medication to treat HIV for a long time. Also tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large quantities of alcohol and if you are taking didanosine (Videx) or hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking stavudine, call your doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: upset stomach, vomiting, unusual or unexpected stomach pain, sudden weight loss, extreme weakness or tiredness, shortness of breath, fast breathing, weakness in arms or legs, and any sudden change in your general health. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to stavudine.

  Why is this medication prescribed?

  How should this medicine be used?

  Other uses for this medicine

  What special precautions should I follow?

  What special dietary instructions should I follow??

  What should I do if I forget a dose?

  What side effects can this medication cause?

  What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

  In case of emergency/over-consumption

  What other information should I know?